Tributes poured in from across the conservative movement and the Trump administration Thursday as the nation marked one year since the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the Turning Point USA founder gunned down at Utah Valley University in September 2025.
The White House released a statement praising Kirk as a fearless patriot who changed the course of American history, accompanied by a tribute video featuring his signature “FREEDOM” t-shirt alongside audio from his public appearances. Vice President JD Vance added his own message online, saying he and others still miss Kirk deeply.
Accused shooter Tyler Robinson has pleaded not guilty to all seven charges he faces and is awaiting trial. Turning Point USA is hosting a memorial ceremony Thursday evening at Utah Valley University, an event that has drawn some student protests but is set to coincide with the second night of Trump’s midterm convention in Dallas.
Administration officials lined up throughout the day to honor Kirk’s memory, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Attorney General Todd Blanche, each crediting Kirk’s faith and conviction for inspiring a generation of young conservatives.
On Fox & Friends, hosts Brian Kilmeade and Rachel Campos-Duffy argued Kirk was likely headed for national office, possibly the presidency or a vice-presidential run alongside JD Vance as soon as 2028, a sentiment echoed by podcaster Patrick Bet-David, who called Kirk a unifier who would have eventually become president.
Others remembered him more personally. CNN’s Scott Jennings called Kirk a brother he still misses, while House Speaker Mike Johnson vowed his legacy would never be forgotten. Trump’s own son, Donald Trump Jr., posted a brief but heartfelt tribute, and lawmakers including Senator Dave McCormick and Congressman Byron Donalds recalled Kirk’s faith and devotion to the country.
Outkick host Tomi Lahren urged fellow conservatives to set aside their differences for the day and simply honor what Kirk built, while comedian Dave Smith reflected that Kirk packed more legacy into 31 years than most manage in a lifetime.
